Verstappen does not rule out switch to Aston Martin in advance

A big question mark continues to hang over Max Verstappen's future. Also in Japan, the Dutchman was asked his current situation at Red Bull Racing and options at other teams.

"No, it all depends on if I want to also drive next year or not," said Max Verstappen when asked about transfer rumours during the press conference in Japan. Indeed, why would Verstappen see any reason to leave the, currently, mighty Red Bull Racing? "From my side, no, I'm very happy where I'm at. And, yes, we want to keep it that way."

Does Verstappen fancy a move to Aston Martin?

Verstappen also made no secret during the press moment of his good relationship with Honda. The deal with the engine partner, who also own the Suzuka circuit, expires at the end of 2025. Honda will then enter into a new partnership with Aston Martin. So is that a team where Verstappen sees himself driving?

"I don't know. Doesn't mean necessarily ‘26 or whatever, right? I mean, I have a contract with Red Bull until ‘28. After that, I first want to see if I actually even want to continue. That's, for me, the most important, not so much about where. So these kind of things I don't really think about at the moment."

Besides Honda, Aston Martin is also said to be working on the arrival of a second party with which Verstappen has a good relationship. Indeed, according to recent rumours, the British team is said to be working on bringing Adrian Newey to Silverstone.